If you recently bought a VR headset for gaming, you’re probably curious about the typical cost of a VR game. Can you play for free? Or do you also have to buy VR games to play?
VR games are available at different price points. You can find a limited number of games that are free to play. However, you must pay for other VR gaming apps, which cost between $10 and $60 and beyond.
Below, we’ll cover the average VR game cost in more detail. We’ll also teach you about the factors affecting the price to help you understand why some games cost more to play.
Are VR Games Free?
Not all VR games are free. Game developers spend a lot of time and money to create a unique gaming experience. They usually pass the total cost to the users.
However, you can find some VR gaming apps that are free to play. These are a great introduction to the world of virtual reality gaming. They can be just as fun as paid VR games.
Unfortunately, free games usually lack the same depth and graphic quality as paid ones. So, if you want an enjoyable gaming experience, consider paying for a VR game. But how much should you expect to shell out? That brings us to the next section.
How Much Do VR Games Cost?
The VR game cost varies a lot depending on several factors. It can range anywhere from as low as $10 to as expensive as $60 and higher.
Cheap VR games usually come from smaller or independent game studios. They tend to have simple gameplay, which keeps the development cost to minimum. You can finish these games in a relatively short time.
On the other end of the spectrum, VR games from big studios typically retail for $60 and more. These boast high-end graphics, unique storylines, and extensive gameplay for a truly immersive experience. The development process is costly, which leads to a high price tag.
But as we said, VR games can also come free at no additional cost to you. Some indie games offer special promotions and free trials, so keep an eye out for them.
What Are the Factors That Affect the Cost of a VR Game?
Now that you know the typical cost of a VR game, you may be curious to know why some are cheap and others are expensive.
Below are some factors that influence the pricing of VR games.
Gaming Platform
Game developers usually host their games on different VR platforms to get higher sales. However, doing so costs a lot of money. That is because each platform has specific hardware and software specifications that developers must meet. They must change the code, graphics, and user interface of the game depending on the platform to ensure a smooth performance.
So, if you see a game available on all VR headsets, expect it to be pricier than indie games. VR developers have spent a lot of money on them, which they pass on to the consumer.
Complexity of the VR Game
The complexity of the VR game can also affect its total cost.
Traditional games with simple storylines and gameplay experience are usually cheaper. That is because they are relatively easy to develop without the need to hire several professionals.
In contrast, complex games with a bigger scope and a longer storyline require a lot of money and time to develop. Avoid these virtual reality games if you want to save money or have a limited budget.
Design and Development
VR game development involves many stages. These include world-building, game design, development, and programming, among other procedures. And each step requires a team of professionals.
If a game is more complex, it needs several professionals and longer development times. These make the app more expensive to produce, as mentioned above.
You also have to consider the software and specialized equipment that studios use. The average VR gamer doesn’t really think about these things, but they largely affect the price of everything. For example, game tools like ZBrush cost studios around $400 every year. These additional costs make it impossible to lower prices of the games.
Location of Game Developer
You might be surprised to know that the location of the developer company can affect the prices of VR games.
Big studios located in places with higher living standards and wages hire professionals with higher salaries. These include the United States and most of Western Europe. Since the cost of living is high in these countries, professional game developers demand higher wages. They have no choice but to offer their games at a higher price tag.
On the other hand, smaller studios that outsource work or have locations in other regions can spend less money. They can hire similarly skilled professionals in South America, Eastern Europe, and Asia at a cheaper cost because of low living costs. As such, they can sell VR games for a low price.
Marketing and Promotion Costs
The last factor that influences the price of VR games is the marketing involved.
If you see many ads for a particular game, the developer has likely spent a lot of money on marketing. After all, promotions can generate interest among gamers.
However, too much promo can increase the overall development cost of virtual reality games. Expect to pay more money for games that consistently have advertisements.
Conclusion
After buying a VR headset for gaming, you’re probably wondering if you need to buy VR games and how much they will cost.
You don’t necessarily need to pay to play because you can find several free games in the Oculus Store or the Playstation Store. However, if you want better graphics or more complex storylines, consider investing in paid VR games. These can cost you between $10 and $60 or above. The actual price depends on several factors, such as the complexity, design, and gaming platform.
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